The Sherwood Park Crusaders have had a few days to digest the beating they received at the hands of the Whitecourt Wolverines last Friday night. The Cru allowed five power play goals on in the 8-2 loss. “…We need to play more 5 on 5.” Crusader Head Coach Tim Fragle said after practice on Tuesday. The Crusaders could not get into any offensive rhythm last Friday, taking 11 penalties, including a 7 minute stretch being short handed to end the 2nd period.
With the days in between games, Fragle and his coaching staff pulled out all the stops in preparation for Wednesday’s contest against the Drayton Valley Thunder. “We made [the team] work extra hard this week, off-ice, on-ice and video.”
The Crusaders definitely will have to improve in many facets of the game compared to the last, but it won’t be easy. The Thunder, coming off a loss to Spruce Grove, are tied with the Cru for 4th in the North Division. Fragle added, “[It’s] another tough divisional game. [Drayton Valley] has good depth and special teams so we will be tested once again. No easy nights in this league.”
The team will be without Dane Phaneuf, who was suspended 1 game for Abuse of an Official, stemming from an incident in the game against Whitecourt. It also appears goaltender Jacob Suppes will make his 5th straight start, as there is still no time table on the return of injured goaltender Matt Tomkins.
Both coaching staff and players have had high praise for the rookie goaltender during the stretch of starts that has seen Suppes go 3-1 with one shutout.
For tickets to Wednesday’s game against the Drayton Valley Thunder, please call the Crusaders office at 780-417-1175.